What if ringworm gets worse

Unlike ringworm, psoriasis plaques can change in color and texture. They are often red at first and then may become grey and scaly, or crack and bleed. Both ringworm and psoriasis rashes are itchy, but the ringworm itch is often more intense. Psoriasis can be painful and may tingle or burn.

Some people develop other symptoms with psoriasis, such as a fever or muscle aches. A skin injury can trigger a psoriasis flare. This means that a rash that begins as something else can become psoriasis. For instance, a person who has eczema and psoriasis may find that eczema leads to psoriasis flares.

Acne usually causes well-defined round sores. The bumps can be very small or quite large and may be painful. Acne lesions usually come to a head and then shrink over several days. Psoriasis does not come to a head. While acne begins under the skin, psoriasis is immediately visible on top of the skin. Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, scaly patches to form on the skin.

The patches sometimes appear after a change in the weather or exposure to something that irritates the skin. Eczema can be itchy and scaly but is not typically gray or silvery like psoriasis. Sweating or being exposed to high temperatures can lead to a heat rash. For example, a person might develop a heat rash on their legs after sitting in front of a space heater. The rash is not usually painful and goes away on its own in a few days. In some cases, a person might need to use corticosteroid cream to speed healing.

An allergic reaction can trigger an outbreak of hives. Allergic reactions typically appear suddenly, either because of something that came into contact with the skin or a food allergen. Although psoriasis plaques can look very dry and scaly, dry skin does not cause them. Dry skin can crack open and bleed, and may peel. Unlike psoriasis, dry skin does not change color or shape.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Ringworm of the Skin. Top of the page. Topic Overview Is this topic for you? For information about other fungal infections, see the topics: Athlete's Foot. Diaper Rash. Fungal Nail Infections.

Ringworm of the Scalp or Beard. What is ringworm of the skin? What causes ringworm? What are the symptoms? How is ringworm of the skin diagnosed? How is it treated?

Can you prevent ringworm? To prevent ringworm: Don't share clothing, sports gear, towels, or sheets. If you think you have been exposed to ringworm, wash your clothes in hot water with special anti-fungus soap.

Wear slippers or sandals in locker rooms and public bathing areas. Shower and shampoo well after any sport that includes skin-to-skin contact. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Change your socks and underwear at least once a day. Keep your skin clean and dry. Always dry yourself completely after showers or baths, drying your feet last. If you have athlete's foot, put your socks on before your underwear so that fungi do not spread from your feet to your groin.

Take your pet to the vet if it has patches of missing hair, which could be a sign of a fungal infection. Cause Ringworm infection is caused by a fungus.

Symptoms Most ringworm infections cause a rash that may be peeling, cracking, scaling, itching, and red. Symptoms of ringworm of the body include a rash: On the chest, stomach, arms, legs, or back. With edges that are red and scaly or moist and crusted. The rash also may have small bumps that look like blisters. The center of the rash may be clear, giving it a ring-shaped appearance, or there may be a cluster of red bumps. That may form large, round patches.

Symptoms of ringworm of the face include a rash: On the face, the ears, or both. With a border that may not be very distinct. That may get worse after being in the sun. Symptoms of ringworm of the groin jock itch include a rash: On the groin, skin folds, inner thighs, or buttocks. The rash usually does not occur on the scrotum or penis. With edges that are very distinct and may be scaly or have bumps that look like blisters. That may have a red-brown center.

Symptoms of ringworm on the hand include a rash: On the palm that may be mistaken for eczema. On the palm that is thickened, dry, and scaly, similar to athlete's foot, while skin between the fingers may be moist and have open sores. On the back of the hand that is red and scaly, with edges that have bumps that look like blisters. What Happens Ringworm of the skin can start as a small patch of itchy, red, or scaling skin.

Ringworm can also spread to other parts of the body, including the feet, nails, scalp, or beard. What Increases Your Risk Your risk of getting ringworm is higher if: You come in contact with a person who has a fungal infection or with a carrier, a person who has the fungi but does not have symptoms.

You are susceptible to fungal infections or you have had a previous fungal infection. You have an impaired immune system due to a disease such as diabetes or cancer. You live in a warm, damp climate. You wear tight-fitting clothes or you let your skin stay damp for long periods, such as by staying in a wet bathing suit or sweaty workout clothes. You are a wrestler. When should you call your doctor? If you suspect you have ringworm of the skin, call your doctor if: You have patches of skin that are itchy, red, or scaly with bumps that look like blisters, and they have not improved after 2 weeks of treatment with a nonprescription antifungal product.

Signs of bacterial infection develop. Signs may include: Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.

Red streaks extending from the area. Discharge of pus. Fever of It is usually an itchy, scaly rash that is sometimes ring-shaped learn more about ringworm symptoms. However, other forms of ringworm need treatment with prescription antifungal medicine.

You should not use creams that contain steroids alone to treat rashes that might be ringworm. Long-term use of combination corticosteroid creams can cause severe redness and burning with ringworm. Do not use steroid creams to treat rashes that may be ringworm. In rare cases, steroid creams allow the fungus that causes ringworm to invade deeper into the skin and cause a more serious condition. Steroid creams can make ringworm infections spread to cover more of the body. They also can change the appearance of ringworm, making it hard for healthcare providers to diagnose it.

Many of these steroid creams also contain antifungal and antibacterial medicines, and the labels say that they can be used to treat fungal infections. However, healthcare providers in India report that they have been seeing more cases of very severe ringworm in people who have used these combination medications, probably because the fungus causing these infections is resistant to the antifungal medication.

If you travel internationally, develop a rash, and think it might be ringworm, be aware that strong over-the-counter steroid creams containing combinations of antifungal and antibacterial medicines can make ringworm worse and cause other health problems. If a healthcare provider in another country recommends a cream for a rash that might be ringworm, ask what medications are in the cream and whether it contains strong steroids.

Topical corticosteroid use without an antifungal agent is not recommended for tinea ringworm infections. However, patients may have already applied corticosteroids on their own. For example, patients may have applied over-the-counter low-potency topical corticosteroids before seeking medical care. Others may have used higher potency corticosteroids from:.

Do not touch this towel to healthy skin. A cloth towel must be washed before it is used again. Apply a thin layer of cream just past the outside edges of the rash.

Spread the cream, beginning from the outside area first, then move toward the center of the rash Picture 1. Do not cover the ringworm with a bandage. Wash and dry your hands well. How to Prevent Ringworm The fungus grows well on warm, dark, moist areas of the body. To prevent ringworm from spreading to others: Keep the skin clean and dry. Dry the skin well after washing or bathing. Wash hands well and right away if a ringworm rash is touched.

Wear clean clothes, socks and underwear every day and do not share clothes or personal items brushes, combs, barrettes with others Picture 2.